Review: ‘The Glass Key’

Parading a murder mystery amidst background of politics, gambling czars, romance and lusty action, this revised version of Dashiell Hammett's novel - originally made in 1935 - is a good picture of its type.

Parading a murder mystery amidst background of politics, gambling czars, romance and lusty action, this revised version of Dashiell Hammett’s novel – originally made in 1935 – is a good picture of its type.

Brian Donlevy is the political boss, a role similar to that he handled in Great McGinty. Alan Ladd is his assistant and confidant. Veronica Lake is the vacillating daughter of the gubernatorial candidate who first makes a play for Donlevy but winds up in the arms of Ladd, while Joseph Calleia has the gambling house concessions around the city. Mixed well, the result is an entertaining whodunit with sufficient political and racketeer angles to make it good entertainment for general audiences.

Donlevy makes the most of his role of the political leader who fought his way up from the other side of the tracks.